OUTLOOK: The emergence of Barrett as Pasco County’s most bruising running back and a stifling defense helped Anclote win its final six regular-season games to earn the program’s first state playoff berth. Wicks said this Sharks team is the most explosive he has had offensively and if it can overcome losses to the offensive line and find suitable replacements for Forgione (three-year starter), Martin (four-year starter) and Grivas (three-year starter), a deeper run through the playoffs is possible. A key could be starting quicker than it has the past two seasons (0-4 in consecutive seasons).

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Tymere and Shymere Carter have been battling to better one another since birth. So, it’s no surprise that Anclote’s rising seniors are still at it.

“Our relationship’s always been good,” said Tymere, who is only 4 minutes older than his fraternal twin. “We’re always competitive in practice, but I think I’m better because I’m bigger and taller. I’m sure if you ask him, he’d say he’s better than me.”

For a team that returns perhaps the most bruising and talented running back in Pasco County — Willie Barrett (1,405 yards, 14 TDs last season) — it could be the Sharks passing attack that plays a key role in determining if last season’s first playoff berth was an anomaly or the start of an extended run. And while Tymere will most likely make more noise defensively at linebacker, he will often join wide receiver Shymere from his tight end position.

Their insertion into the offensive huddle makes matchups challenging for defenses and Anclote’s options nearly unlimited.

“They are two extremely talented and athletic kids that battle every practice and that’s what makes them better,” Sharks coach Matt Wicks said. “Ty is a true receiver. He’s got great hands, runs great routes and he’s not afraid to block.

“Shy’s a bit more vocal and a great pass rusher, big hitter. In 7-on-7 [passing] drills, we have Ty and Shy on one side and [senior tight end] Austin [Rumer] on the other. All the QBs need to know is who to throw to, because it’s going to be tough for any team to cover them all.”

The Carters combined for 25 catches for 477 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2012 in an offense that relied more upon Barrett’s bruising running. Wicks knows it would be foolish to abandon the running game this season with such a talented player in the backfield and a starting quarterback yet to emerge. However, Wicks also knows Barrett is no longer an unknown and defenses will game plan on how to stop him.

Tymere and Shymere believe it’s there they can play a role.

“We’ve got an offense that can throw it and score a lot, so we don’t have to just give it to Willie,” Shymere said.

Added Tymere, “We don’t have a big offensive line, so we know it’s big for us to pass the ball well. If we do, it’ll give Willie a chance to run like he did last year.”

The Carters agree their competitiveness will only grow, but both know there’s a more pressing issue at stake than proving who is better. There’s the knowledge Anclote has a legitimate shot at making an even deeper run in the playoffs.

“All we really care about is winning,” Shymere said. “We want to make it past districts. We want to make it to and win championships.”

Correspondent Chris Errington can be reached at cperrington@hotmail.com.

Tom Jackson

Tom Jackson’s baseball card — if he had one — would report he throws left, writes right. In his columns and blog, “The Right Stuff,” southpaw Jackson provides insight into the evolving human condition from a distinctly conservative point of view.Column | Blog